by Mr. Jim on 8/26/2000
favorite track: 10
 
This masterpiece was Chaplin's last silent film, the "Little tramp" galant, tender, with the inner emotion that sets the mood through music. Our hero falls in love with a blind flower seller and a series of lucky accidents permits him to get the money she needs for a sight-restoring operation. Not only did Chaplin star, direct and produce the film, he composed this enlightening score.

Standouts include "The Flower Girl (Violetera)," where strings set the mood of heartfelt love. "The Nightclub-Dance Suite" contains several dance themes interwoven, creating the late '20s & early '30s nostalgic sound of the "flapper" craze. Chaplin shines in "The Boxing Match" with a dazzling array of melodies. In "Reunited," all themes come together with a rhythmic, tango tempo, and insures there will be a happy ending to the story.

Chaplin's keen sense of balance between comedy and tragedy is evident through this magical score. In reconstructing this 1931 score performed by The City Lights Orchestra (conducted by Carl Davis), Silva Screen has achieved a wonderful accomplishment and has provided a delightful score, even to those who've not seen the film.